Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=1/29/05

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CHINA / TAIWAN FLIGHTS (S & L)

NUMBER=2-322101

BYLINE=LUIS RAMIREZ

DATELINE=BEIJING

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

// EDS: Q script available at end of text //

HEADLINE: Direct Flights between China and Taiwan Take Off for First Time in 56 Years

INTRO: Nonstop flights between China and Taiwan took off Saturday for the first time in more than half a century as part of a temporary plan to ease tensions across the Taiwan Strait. VOA's Luis Ramirez reports from Beijing.

TEXT: /// OPENS: SOUND OF DRUMS, SLOW FADE ///

Traditional dragon dancers in bright costumes performed on the tarmac as three airplanes prepared to leave Beijing's airport Saturday -- the first to fly nonstop to Taiwan since 1949. The ceremony marked the first of 48 charter flights allowed to operate between Taiwan and the mainland over the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Taiwan banned direct flights after losing the Chinese civil war to the communists in 1949, citing concerns that China might use airliners to attack.

Taiwanese legislator John Chang spoke of the flights' significance at the ceremony.

/// CHANG ACT IN CHINESE, FADE ///

Mr. Chang says that despite differences, the flights symbolize hope for peace and dialogue between China and Taiwan.

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Thousands of people travel across the Taiwan Strait, but have previously had to change airplanes, usually in Hong Kong, something passengers complain is time-consuming and expensive.

Most of the passengers taking advantage of the nonstop flights, running until February 20th, are Taiwanese businesspeople who work on the mainland.

Many Taiwanese have lobbied their government to ease its ban on direct air links, especially as trade continues to grow between the island and the mainland - despite the political tensions. Chinese officials this month said cross-strait trade had reached a record 70 billion dollars in 2004. (Signed)

BEGIN OPTIONAL Q:

Q: On the eve of the inaugural flights, China announced it is willing to reopen negotiations with Taiwan. Luis - can you tell us more about that offer?

A: Well, as you know, China suspended talks with Taiwan on eventual reunification in 1999, after Taiwan insisted negotiations be considered state-to-state. China interpreted the change as preparation for formal independence and relations plummeted. Even though Taiwan has been ruled separately since 1949, China has never given up its claim to the territory.

On Friday, however, China said it would be willing to immediately negotiate with Taiwan President Chen Shiu-bian - if he accepts the "one China" policy -- meaning Taiwan is a part of China -- and stops what Beijing called his "independence activities." Those conditions are nothing new and have been a sticking point. But what is new is that China said it is willing to talk to Mr. Chen himself. This appears to be a huge concession. The Taiwanese leader particularly angered Beijing last year during his reelection when he said he would push for a new Taiwan constitution, which could lead to Taiwan declaring formal independence. It appears China's change of heart came after Mr. Chen selected moderate Frank Hsieh to be his new premier - signaling Taiwan may also be willing to make concessions.

NEB/HK/LR/JJ/KL